Don’t look now but the Oklahoma City Thunder have won four of their last five games. That’s the team’s best stretch of the season.
The Thunder opened a four-game road trip with a 108-96 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dennis Schröder each scored 21 points for Oklahoma City, while Chris Paul added 20.
Nerlens Noel came off the bench to give the team a boost, scoring 13 points in 20 minutes of game time.
OKC also handed in a solid defensive effort, holding the Trail Blazers to a season-low shooting percentage and a season-low in points, according to Jason Quick, who covers the Trail Blazers for The Athletic.
Per ESPN, Billy Donovan felt like it was a night-and-day difference from the last time the Thunder were in Portland.
“Obviously, the last time we came here we were really beat handily, from start to finish. We did get it back to nine, but we never really were in control of the game, constantly fighting an uphill battle,” Thunder coach Billy Donovan said, recalling the 136-119 loss n Nov. 26. “It was good that we were able to come into a tough place and play and find a way to win the game.”
Abdel Nader got the start Sunday in place of Terrance Ferguson. Ferguson missed the game due to right hip soreness, and Donovan told reporters, including Maddie Lee of the Oklahoman, that he expects Ferguson to be out Monday against the Jazz as well.
Lee did point out that Ferguson did travel with the team.
The Thunder will tip-off against Utah Monday night at 8 p.m. CT inside Vivint Smart Home Arena.
